One of 30 dogs rescued by the RSPCA from a bungalow in Rainham, Kent

The terrier dogs – aged from four weeks to 10 years – may have been left to fend for themselves for some time before the discovery of their owner’s body, the RSPCA said.

More than 30 dogs have been rescued from a bungalow in Kent after a police welfare check found the homeowner had died.

It was initially believed that Rainham’s property was home to six dogs. However, more were discovered after a meticulous search of the house. The RSPCA spent a week searching the place, which was so chaotic it took them all a week.

During the investigation, the RSPCA liaised with relatives of the deceased owner, who were unaware of the extent of the problems at the property.

The RSPCA said it had to clear the house and set up traps and cameras to catch and recover some of the more fearful dogs. They are now being cared for at RSPCA animal centres and a small number will be taken on by a local charity. Some animals have had medical attention and have undergone thorough vet exams before being rehomed.

Animal rescue officer Brian Milligan said: “This was a difficult exercise which saw the RSPCA deploy significant resources to clear the property and ensure we found all the dogs.

We searched the home every day for a week in order to save every dog. In the end, we were forced to clean every space.

Kent Police say they are not treating the death of the homeowner as suspicious.